Community Halloween party

Games, food, hayrides on tap at annual event

It's trick-or-treat time in Reynoldsburg, when ghouls, goblins and all kinds of creepy creatures flock to the community Halloween party.

The event -- for Reynoldsburg residents only -- is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Kennedy Park, 7232 E. Main St. Free refreshments, treat bags, hayrides and games are planned.

Sponsored by the Reynoldsburg Community Association and the city's parks and recreation department, the community Halloween party is a longstanding tradition, said Dani Livelsberger, from the RCA.

"We are expecting anywhere between 1,500 to 2,000 kids and family members," she said. "It is always a lot of hard work to prepare for each year, but everyone does their part and it comes together perfectly every time.

"We get support from the city's police and fire department and local businesses and organizations and everyone has a great time," she said. "It's a nice thing we can give to our kids and families and everything is free."

Livelsberger said kids and adults should come dressed in their favorite costumes to enjoy games such as ring toss, "Feed the Ghost," fishing for a prize and others.

"We will also have two hayrides going around the park and will have hotdogs, drinks and treat bags, doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate," she said.

She said a DARE officer will be on hand from the Reynoldsburg Police Department and this year's event also features a fortune-teller.

A disc jockey will play music and people can gather around a large bonfire.

"We will also have a preschool pumpkin patch, where kids 5 and under can decorate pumpkins and take them home," she said. "Everything is totally free and we will have lots of candy treat bags and treats available."

Livelsberger said many volunteers from Reynoldsburg businesses and organizations are helping with refreshments or with other donations, including the Kiwanis Club, the Reynoldsburg Lions Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9473.

"We have teen volunteers and adult volunteers working to make sure everyone has fun," she said. "It's not that often that a city can give something completely free to its residents, so it is a special night for the whole community."

After attending the community Halloween party, kids still have Beggars' Night in Reynoldsburg to look forward to. Beggars' Night will be held on Halloween, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.